Neville says Man Utd must focus on two 'core' signings ensuring Amorim's system works

Gary Neville wants Manchester United to prioritize two 'unique' signings for Ruben Amorim's system.

He has voiced the concerns of many United fans, calling for the club to focus on two wingback signings to help manager Amorim implement his tactical vision at Old Trafford.

Since taking charge in November, Amorim has faced significant challenges, with United managing just four wins in his first 11 games.

While promising performances from players like Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui hint at future potential, the team's broader struggles underscore the need for reinforcements.

Neville emphasized the critical role wingbacks play in Amorim's system, stating they are essential for the team's success.

Speaking on Sky Sports after United’s defeat to Newcastle, he explained: "I could say centre-forward, let’s get a world-class centre-forward, let’s get Isak in, but that’s never going to happen.

“I think if you were starting, you’d have to start with the fundamentals of this system, which is the wingbacks—they hold it together.

"If you don’t have the wingbacks functioning up and down that are able to attack and defend equally as good, and there aren’t many of those around, by the way, because there aren’t many teams that play wingback, then you’re going to struggle."

Neville added that the specific qualities required for wingbacks in Amorim’s system make them rare and highly valuable:

"You need two quite unique players in those wide areas, and I think that will be the starting point.

He clarified his comments were not a criticism of current players like Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot but rather an acknowledgment of their limitations in these roles.

He said: "And that’s nothing against Mazraoui or Dalot. I think they’re very willing and doing the job the very best that they can. But they’re, to me, the areas that I would start in this system."

United's struggles in adapting to Amorim’s system have been compounded by underwhelming options in the wingback positions.

Dalot has struggled to fit the role, and while Mazraoui has shown promise, he appears more comfortable in a back-three setup. Amad Diallo, though a bright spot, is naturally suited to a more advanced role.

This has led to speculation linking players like Nuno Mendes (PSG) and Alvaro Fernandez (on loan at Granada) with moves to Old Trafford.

However, for United to make significant mid-season signings, they will likely need to sell players first to comply with financial regulations.

Neville’s call for action highlights the pressing need for targeted recruitment to ensure Amorim’s tactical blueprint can succeed in the Premier League.